Red Cross distributes food aid in North Darfur after recent attacks

September 30, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The International Red Cross (ICRC) started today distribution of food and essential household items to families affected by recent attacks by the Sudanese army on rebel positions in and around Korma, in North Darfur.

Since the beginning of this month government troops and militias carried out regular attacks on the positions of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur near Jebel Marra in Korma and Ain Siro.

IDPs spokesperson appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance to the villagers affected by the attacks. The UNAMID attempted during the two past weeks to send an assessment mission but its efforts had been hampered by government delay.

The ICRC, based on the finding of an assessment team sent to the area, said today that there are more than 13,000 people affected by the recent attacks.

“We will start the distribution today, but it will probably take another three days to reach everyone,” said Jan Nicolas Schuett, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Alfasher, who is supervising the operations.

The ICRC assistance will include a half-month food ration for almost 11,500 people affected by the latest events in the area. In addition, almost 2,000 people will receive basic household items such as kitchen sets, tarpaulins, blankets, mats, soap, jerrycans and buckets to help them cope with the situation, the Red Cross said.

“We are distributing enough food for two weeks,” said Mr Schuett. “That should be sufficient until more food is delivered to the affected families by other humanitarian agencies that will be able to enter the area within the coming weeks.”

(ST)